Public Sector
With the steady growth of the U.S. multicultural population, city and state governments find an increasing need to translate into the languages spoken in local communities. Eriksen helps agencies develop the multilingual resources needed to keep residents safe, healthy, and informed.
Translation for Public Resources and Civic Engagement
Our work runs the gamut, from public benefits to voting and civic participation, small business assistance, workers’ rights, consumer rights, civil protections, and community resources. In addition to translation and localization, agencies trust Eriksen to perform third-party review to ensure materials translated by other vendors meet stringent quality standards.
Download our capabilities statement here.
High-touch, Attentive Translation Services
Eriksen maintains enduring relationships with city and state government agencies, with some partnerships spanning over 20 years. Our collaborative, proactive approach involves taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs. With extensive experience and flexibility, our team consistently meets the toughest deadlines and delivers custom solutions to address any challenge.
Experienced, Qualified Translators
Eriksen’s translators are meticulously selected and highly experienced, specializing in the languages spoken by LEP (Limited English Proficient) individuals across the United States. Each linguist undergoes a rigorous screening and vetting process, followed by continuous performance evaluations to ensure adherence to the highest standards of written translation. They accurately convey the original content’s meaning, intent, and purpose, while ensuring that translated text resonates authentically with native speakers of the target language. This combination of linguistic skill and cultural sensitivity ensures clear and effective communication appropriate for diverse U.S. communities.
Our Work
We are proud to support initiatives that help immigrants, protect the health and safety of our communities, and promote human rights. Examples of our work include:
- Translation of NYC Votes website into 12 languages for the NYC Campaign Finance Board.
- Translation of the COVID Alert NY app and NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet into 10 languages.
- Translation of the New York City Comptroller’s Immigrant Rights and Services Manual into nine languages.
- Localization of interactive anti-sexual harassment training into nine languages for the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
- Translation of the New York State Office for New Americans Ramirez June Initiative Resource Guide into 11 languages.
- Breast & Cervical Screening brochures for the Alaska Department of Health.
Inclusive Language
At Eriksen, we encourage the use of person-first, inclusive language. We help our clients develop language that expresses evolving terminology with sensitivity and is respectful of the perspectives of marginalized communities. Our team presents alternatives to outdated or problematic language. Additionally, we offer specialized services to create glossaries of culturally sensitive terms and phrases, ensuring consistent, ongoing usage of agreed-upon terminology.
NYC GALA Roadshow
Eriksen Translations and NYU School of Professional Studies co-organized the inaugural GALA (Globalization and Localization Association) Roadshow in NYC. Held on June 25, the event focused on language accessibility and inclusion. Our EVP, Kevin Hudson, joined speakers from the New York State Office of Language Access, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Ross Perlin with the Endangered Language Alliance, and representatives from NYU.
New York State Person-First and Identity-First Language Glossary
The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has published a Person-First and Identity-First Language Glossary, available in 14 languages. With this resource, OGS aims to raise awareness and support the use of culturally sensitive terms and phrases that center the voices and perspectives of those who are often marginalized or stereotyped. Visit the OGS website to learn more.
Accessibility Services
Government agencies must provide inclusive services for residents with diverse needs. Eriksen offers a suite of accessibility services, including the adaptation of materials into braille or large print formats, as well as captioning and audio description for video content. We ensure that digital content, whether on websites, in documents, or via multimedia, meets WCAG or PDF/UA standards. These services guarantee that content is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Featured Insights
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WBE Certified
Many government agencies embrace inclusive procurement practices. As a certified woman-owned business, Eriksen helps our clients meet their diversity goals. We are certified as a woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) by New York State, New York City, New Jersey, the Port Authority of NY & NJ, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
On behalf of the commission and the RJC staff, please accept this note of extreme gratitude. Our ballot proposals passed with overwhelming margins! Thank you for all of your time, effort, patience, and the willingness to work towards achieving racial justice within New York City.
Rachel Cato, Chief of Operations, NYC Racial Justice Commission